He told me I can get on board or be left. I looked into his depraved face regretfully. “Surely this can’t be the only way?” He kneeled down then stared in my eye. “I assure you there is no other way.” A sessile ride was not intended. Though it was comprehended If I took that step in I would be entering the gates of sin. For the father of lies spares no soul The malign backbone of life he withholds Walking the earth to and fro Seeking plights of souls unable to tow. “No, no thank you.” The handsome man rose up. I felt externally paralyzed as I stood before him. He shone bright, so bright was his light. But yonder was not so. “Okay, suit yourself. In your finest I might add.” He flashed me a smile and a wink, then took off. I walked along shore. Seaweed and rocks resting on the sand. The freshest of airs breezed by me. I felt something in my body. A wave of gratitude flooded over me. A part of my inside was rejoicing. Grateful and humble they were. I closed my eyes and kneeled with my arms open. I accepted that part. In due time, after the part projected her praise, and settled into a place of peace. I got back up and continued to walk along the ocean. How am I going to get to the other side? Certainly I couldn’t atone by swimming. Absolutely not. That was not my calling. Someone has swum the ocean, but that was not I. I was beginning to tire, though the sun beams not. “Hey, are you trying to get to the other side? I know a shortcut through the forest.” I turn to my left and see a man less than five feet away from me. He was average height, maybe 6”; Short curly hair that begged for a wash. He wore a large knapsack, the kind hikers use. Yes, he appeared a traveler. “Excuse me?” “Oh, the other side. I was just asking if that’s where you were going.” “I’m sorry, I don’t want to appear rude but, where did you come from?” “Me? I’ve been walking behind you the whole time.” “Really? Funny, I didn’t see a soul.” “Oh, strange.” He shrugged it off. “I’ve walked this path many times. I’m a frequent visitor.” “Then it dawned on me that I can just walk a few feet through the trail in the forest and arrive over there.” He pointed to the opposite side. “Yes? Oh that sounds really good!” He shared my enthusiasm. He had a warm greeting and a bright countenance. But his eyes. They appeared hollow. Empty, that of a porcelain doll portraying innocence. Sensing my discomfort, he grew friendlier and anxious. “Come, we’ll be there in less than five minutes! It’s to our left.” “To the left you say? No, no I think I’ll stay.” “Ok. I’m sure I’ll see you there.” His countenance remained unchanged, and his eyes remained the same. I was reluctant to agree with his statement. The part held back. He awaited a reply, but I gave none. Why had I been so rude? That was odd of me. Of my part really. I continued walking. Suddenly I didn’t feel tired anymore. Actually, I felt good, I felt alive. I let out a breath. Ahh! I feel good. The part pumped in agreeance. I touched my chest sharing her enthusiasm. But then it grew. It seems as if the part was operating as she pleased within her small confides. I felt her send a signal to my knees to bend once more. What was she doing? “No”. I said aloud. The part suddenly stopped. I sensed her immediate heaviness. I shrugged. How many times was I supposed to get on my knees? I mean, I was happy, but let’s not push it. To whom was I kneeling? I can be grateful while standing. I continued walking. My part had been silent for the past two hours. Which I was grateful for. I smiled at my own humor. The sun was beginning to set. It was turning a lovely shade of orange. A beautiful sight it was. It didn’t seem as if I would reach my destination that night. Deciding to see the sun set into where it rest, I laid on the sand. The left hand path one may know Is not the right so I’ve been told The right is neither, oh no Straight and narrow is the way to go I’ve heard wonders of the left, oh yes! Lavish and luxurious is the trail, an uphill trail it isUp and up to the topThen down you dropThe right speaks of wisdom and knowledge Trees that breathe of fortunes unknownThe wind whispers in riddles of what’s to comeLeft to their devices they’ll implore you to followThe elements are connivers, for they have their duties as wellThat right path. As long as it may be, will ultimately lead to your lastThat I guarantee “Hi, do you mind if I sit? Or rather, with you?” Standing in my direct line of sun was a boy. No more than five years old I’m sure. He was white, brown eyes, dirty blonde hair. The sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Reminded me of the one I used to have. “What’s your name honey?” “First tell me yours!” “Ok, after you tell me where your parents are.” “Oh, they’ve gone ahead”. “I like to take my time.” “Never know who you may see.” “Oh really?” I asked wide eyed and sarcastic. “Well, I meet a lot of different people.” “I like walking along the line.” His eyes motioned to the seashore. “Sometimes I come here just for that.” “That’s swell, are they all nice?” Now genuinely interested. “Huh? Oh, most of them are. I don’t get along well with kids or babies. They tend to run away from me. My interest lies in adults. They’re so funny and presumably wise. You’d be surprised how much we have in common. There hasn’t been one whom I’ve met that I haven’t remained close to.” He was grinning as he spoke. For a kid he was awfully charming along with a visible air of arrogance. “How old are you?” He flashed me a grin. “Older than the concept of time.” I laughed. He laughed with me. “It must be really early.” The sun and moon were trading places. “There’s really no time here, miss.” “What do you mean?” “I mean there’s here, there and the line.” “The line?” Yes. “Why is that important?” Suddenly I felt a pang at the pit of my stomach. It was her. What was she doing? “Are you ok?” “Yes, honey I’m fine.” The part was banging on my insides like a Congo drum. She provided feelings of fear and despair. What’s wrong part? I wondered. “So where are you going? He asked, trying to recapture my attention.” “I’m going to the other side.” “Oh goodie! Me too!” “Are you now?” “Yup!” His smile seem to hold residence of the sun. “Would you like to come with me?” “With you? Don’t you know not to trust strangers?” His gaze left the sea and traveled to my face. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar. “You are no stranger. Why, I’ve known you my whole life. I’m a part of you, can’t you see? Indeed you belong to me.” A long shrill echoed in my ears. It came from within. “Belong? You’ve seen one too many movies honey!” I laughed. “Well, mommy, we both have to go, let’s go together.” “What did you call me?” “I said together. Just take my hand.” He reached out his little palm. My heart was palpitating, the part was pleading; almost begging me to refuse. “Yes, I will go with you.” And with that the part was gone. As if she never existed. “How are we getting there?” His eyes shifted to a boat nearby. “No no, let’s continue walking.” His grip firmed. Like that of a man. Puzzled, I turned to him. “I assure you there is no other way.” My body stiffened. The winds and sea came to a halt. Allowing me the privilege to digest my fate. I chuckled in vain. We walked hand in hand to the boat. “May I say you do look dashing!” I didn’t reply. I sat behind him as he steered the boat. “Well,” I spoke aloud. “At least I’ll enjoy the ride.” He turned to me and smiled. “Oh yes, everyone enjoys the ride until they arrive.”My name is temptation and from me they flee. But you are not like them I seeYou are wise erudite and proudYou are not far from the abominable sevenUnfortunately that list won’t get you to heavenA word my dear, is all it takesTo cut the line and seal your fateFor by your words you’re acquitted and by your words you’re condemnedNow tell me, wouldn’t you like to play again?